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theguardian.com
AI hallucinations found in high-profile Wall Street law firm filing
Sullivan & Cromwell apologises to New York federal judge for string of errors in documents for Prince Group caseThe elite Wall Street law firm Sullivan & Cromwell has told a court that a major filing it made in a high-profile case contained errors resulting from hallucinations generated by artificial intelligence.Andrew Dietderich, the co-head of the firm’s global restructuring group, apologised in a letter to the New York federal judge Martin Glenn on Saturday for the string of mistakes which included inaccurate citations. Continue reading...
bbc.com
UK inflation rises after Iran war pushes up fuel prices
The figures provide the first official look at the impact of the Iran war on the cost of living in the UK.
theguardian.com
UK inflation climbs to 3.3%, driven by largest increase in fuel prices in over three years – business live
Oil prices fall on ceasefire extension but stay near $100 a barrel as strait of Hormuz remains closedToday’s UK inflation data showed core inflation, excluding volatile items like energy, food, alcohol and tobacco, slowed to 3.1% last month from 3.2% in February. Inflation in the services sector, which is closely watched by the Bank of England, rose from 4.3% to 4.5%.Adam Hoyes, senior asset allocation analyst at the fund manager Rathbones, said:The increase in inflation in March captures the first effects of the conflict in the Middle East on UK households. While it may have temporarily reversed in April, inflation is still likely to be higher over the rest of 2026 than most expected at the start of the year. We think investors would be wise to take heed from recent events and prepare for a world of higher and more volatile inflation over the longer term.We think headline inflation will probably have eased back to around 3% again in April as hikes from this time last year in other ‘regulated’ prices, such as water bills, road tax, and rail fares drop out of the year-on-year calculation. But it’s worth recalling that before the conflict erupted many were expecting inflation to be much closer to the 2% target in April. The outlook has changed materially.One crumb of comfort for rate setters at the Bank of England will be that there were few signs of higher energy costs putting upward pressure on prices elsewhere in the economy yet… We expect these so-called ‘second-round effects’ to be weaker than after the energy price shock in 2022 given how different the economic backdrop is. With a much cooler labour market, workers don’t have the same bargaining power to demand higher wages. Monetary and fiscal policy are both much less supportive than they were back then too. All else equal, that means the Bank of England has a bit more breathing room to wait and consider its response.Even so, we saw little evidence from today’s data to allay our concerns about the persistence of services inflation, which preceded the war. One underlying measure we track that ignores the impact of ‘regulated’ and volatile services prices has essentially not budged for almost a year now, and remains materially above its long-run pre-pandemic average. At the margin, that will make policymakers more hesitant to resume interest rate cuts.No-one knows which direction the current conflict in the Middle East will take but we do know that it will make us all poorer.The cost of filling up the car has already increased and, from July, so too will energy bills.The forecasts here are pure speculation. The impact of the conflict is, as the report’s authors say themselves, highly uncertain.The report reinforces why we are right to focus on making the UK more resilient by securing greater energy security and improved public finances. Continue reading...
cnbc.com
Moncler shares struggle despite defying luxury's Middle East slump
Moncler earnings 'smashes' expectations following a series of underwhelming reports from European luxury players last week.
cnbc.com
Japan's Nikkei 225 rises to record high in mixed Asia trading as Trump extends Iran ceasefire
Asia markets traded broadly lower, amid deepening uncertainty over the Middle East conflict, even as Trump extended a temporary ceasefire.
cnbc.com
European stocks open higher after Trump extends Iran ceasefire deadline
European stocks edged higher on Wednesday as traders assessed the Iran ceasefire extension and the prospect of peace talks.
bbc.com
World's biggest condom maker set to raise prices due to Iran war
Malaysia-based Karex produces more than five billion condoms a year and supplies global brands like Durex and Trojan.
theguardian.com
City watchdog faces legal action over £9.1bn compensation scheme for car loan victims
Exclusive: Lawyers for group Consumer Voice notified FCA they are challenging redress scheme as inadequateA consumer group is preparing to take the City watchdog to court in the hope of overhauling a £9.1bn compensation scheme that it claims massively shortchanges victims of the UK car loan scandal.Lawyers working for Consumer Voice have written to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), notifying them that they intend to challenge the redress programme in order to protect drivers’ interests, according to sources familiar with the group’s plans. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
#ToddlerSkincare: the ‘dark and exploitative’ world of children’s beauty videos on TikTok
Skincare videos are featuring children as young as two, Guardian analysis finds, prompting fears about the industry’s reach and lack of safeguards‘An element of exploitation’: the world of TikTok child skincare influencersChildren as young as two are appearing in TikTok videos demonstrating their skincare routines, a Guardian investigation has found, raising concerns about the beauty industry’s reach and the lack of safeguards for child influencers.The research found that 400 TikTok videos out of the 7,600 skincare-related posts analysed featured routines or advice presented by children believed to be under 13. At least 90 of these posts featured under-fives, including babies and toddlers. Continue reading...
cnbc.com
CNBC Daily Open: TACO truce and a Pacific warning
An extended ceasefire bring optimism back to markets, but the disruption to the Strait of Hormuz has revealed energy fault lines.
cnbc.com
CNBC's UK Exchange newsletter: UK defense spending — or lack thereof — haunts Starmer's government
U.K. defense spending has fallen for years but concerns are growing over the threat posed to the country in increasingly uncertain times.
cnbc.com
UK inflation jumps to 3.3% in March as fuel prices surge amid Iran war
Fuel prices saw their largest increase for over three years, the ONS' chief economist said.
cnbc.com
Oil edges lower after Trump extends ceasefire with Iran
Oil prices edged lower on Wednesday as uncertainty lingered over the trajectory of the U.S.–Iran conflict.
theguardian.com
‘Fullz’ disclosure: the man with the street words to help parents prevent children falling into fraud
With more young people drawn to the world of fraud, from ‘squares’ to ‘clicking’ and ‘mule herder’, Kaf Okpattah knows the languageKaf Okpattah can speak the language of scammers. “Squares is one word which comes up a lot. That’s bank cards,” he says. “Fullz … that’s a person’s full financial information.”In his new book, Scam Nation, he goes through more. “Clicking”, which means using stolen details to commit online crime; “addy”, which is used for the shipping address for fraudulently bought gear; and “mule herder”, meaning someone who recruits and manages people accepting stolen funds. Many of these are words he learned at school, he says. Continue reading...
cnbc.com
CEO with over $3 trillion under management tells Gen-Z to think past ‘hobby investing’
The comments come against a backdrop of deepening disillusionment among younger investors and rising mistrust in wealth management institutions.
bbc.com
Price rise contingency plans 'ready if needed'
The Manx treasury says plans are in place to protect essential services in the wake of the Iran war.
bbc.com
War in Iran 'has put up our fuel bill by £100,000'
How are rising oil prices affecting truckers, carers and heating oil users?
bbc.com
Charities deal with impact of higher fuel prices
Ferrying items has been made more difficult by fuel price increases of 35%, one charity says.
bbc.com
Help for people who use heating oil is on the way
North Lincolnshire Council is encouraging households to sign up for a support scheme.
theguardian.com
UK could face ‘hacktivist attacks at scale’, says head of security agency
Officials warn a conflict situation could cause disruption similar to recent major ransomware incidentsThe UK could face “hacktivist attacks at scale” if it becomes embroiled in a conflict and the impact could be similar to recent high-profile ransomware incidents, according to the head of the country’s online security agency.Richard Horne, chief executive of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), will warn today that nation states now account for the most significant incidents the NCSC deals with. Continue reading...
cnbc.com
Hormuz is just a ‘dry run’ if China and U.S. go to war in the Pacific, Singapore foreign minister warns
Balakrishnan was discussing the complexities of the U.S.- China relationship from Singapore's perspective with CNBC's Steve Sedgwick at the CONVERGE LIVE event.
theguardian.com
From Barcelona to Paris, cities thrive with women in charge. It’s all about sharing public space | Melissa and Chris Bruntlett
Female mayors have had notable successes in making transport in urban areas benefit everyone, not just a wealthy fewAccording to the UN 68% of the global population will be urban dwellers by mid-century. Urbanisation at this rate, unprecedented in modern times, means cities are facing an equally unprecedented convergence of crises, from a shortage of affordable housing to increased traffic congestion causing pollution, while reducing safety and liveability.The consequences are exacerbated by the climate emergency bombarding many regions with severe heatwaves, rainfall, flooding and other extreme weather events. While everyone will feel the effects of these changes, the fallout from failing to cater for them is disproportionately felt by the most vulnerable groups. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
From the archive: The high cost of living in a disabling world – podcast
We are raiding the Guardian long read archives to bring you some classic pieces from years past, with new introductions from the authors.This week, from 2021: For all the advances that have been made in recent decades, disabled people cannot yet participate in society ‘on an equal basis’ with others – and the pandemic has led to many protections being cruelly erodedBy Jan Grue. Read by Giles Abbott Continue reading...
theguardian.com
The security report the UK government doesn’t want you to see – podcast
Fiona Harvey tells Nosheen Iqbal why the climate crisis is a threat to national security“Last October, I and other journalists got quite excited because we thought that we were going to be attending a great event at the Natural History Museum,” the Guardian’s environment editor Fiona Harvey tells Nosheen Iqbal.“We had been told that there was a major report being launched at this event. And this report was going to come not just from where you’d expect – from the government’s environment department – but also from the joint intelligence committee, and they are the UK’s spy chiefs, MI5, MI6, the intelligence agencies. And they were taking an interest in the climate and biodiversity and the threats that they pose to the UK’s national security.” Continue reading...
cnbc.com
Judge dismisses Kash Patel's defamation lawsuit over claim he frequented 'nightclubs'
The lawsuit against Frank Figliuzzi was dismissed a day after FBI Director Kash Patel sued The Atlantic magazine over claims he abused alcohol.
cnbc.com
CNBC Daily Open: Trump looks to mitigate tariff, geopolitical blowback
Markets are rising on Iran-U.S. talks, but there remains massive disagreements over the Strait of Hormuz.
bbc.com
Oil prices dip as Trump extends Iran war ceasefire
The president also said the US will continue to blockade Iran's ports until peace talks progress.
theguardian.com
SpaceX secures option to buy AI startup Cursor for $60bn or partner for $10bn
Cursor is a Silicon Valley startup using AI to automate coding as Elon Musk’s firm seeks foothold in the AI marketSpaceX said it has secured an option to either acquire code-generation startup Cursor for $60bn later this year, or pay $10bn for their new partnership, as it pushes deeper into the lucrative market for AI developer tools.Along with OpenAI and Anthropic, Cursor is one of several Silicon Valley startups that has drawn waves of developers by using artificial intelligence to automate coding, a business where AI companies have found early commercial traction. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Condom prices could rise 30% due to Iran war, says world’s top producer Karex
Karex produces more than 5 billion condoms annually and is a supplier to leading brands like Durex and Trojan, as well as the NHS The world’s top condom producer, Malaysia’s Karex Bhd, plans to raise prices by 20% to 30% and possibly further if supply chain disruptions drag on due to the Iran war, its chief executive has said.Karex is also seeing a surge in condom demand as rising freight costs and shipping delays have left many of its customers with lower stockpiles than usual, CEO Goh Miah Kiat told Reuters in an interview on Tuesday. Continue reading...
bbc.com
I was left with an £8,000 vet bill when my insurer cancelled my pet policy
Thousands of people have got in touch with BBC Your Voice over concerns about rising pet insurance costs and poor cover.
theguardian.com
Apple’s Tim Cook leaves behind complicated legacy on privacy
Outgoing CEO took stood up for users in battle with FBI but concessions abroad undermine claims of protecting ‘fundamental right’In his 15 years as Apple’s top executive, Tim Cook has projected an image of the company as a champion of privacy rights. As he prepares to leave that role in September, that legacy has come back into focus. Cook trumpeted the iPhone maker’s commitment to privacy at home in the US and the EU, calling privacy “a fundamental right” but his acquiescence to government demands abroad call his dedication to protecting users into question.Cook cemented Apple’s pro-privacy reputation in 2015 when he resisted the FBI’s demands to unlock the iPhone of a mass shooter in San Bernardino, California. The company played up that public image in 2019 with playful ads that read, “Privacy. That’s iPhone”, positioning Apple as the obvious choice for people who cared about privacy. In 2021, Apple added a feature, App Tracking Transparency, that allowed iPhone owners to limit an app’s ability to track their mobile activity. Apps that tracked users without permission would be removed, Cook said. Continue reading...
bbc.com
Meta to track workers' clicks and keystrokes to train AI
The firm will take data from the way employees work for its artificial intelligence models.
bbc.com
Hotpot, bubble tea and sportswear: China's new exports take on the world
Made in China used to mean cheap, mass-produced goods but a new wave of Chinese brands is emerging.
cnbc.com
Trump administration discussing currency swap line with United Arab Emirates
Such a move would provide liquidity in dollars to the oil-rich UAE, but could be politically tenuous for the administration amid higher prices at home.
theguardian.com
Trump’s Fed chair pick says he’ll maintain independence – but won’t say president lost 2020 election
Kevin Warsh says ‘we need to take politics out of monetary policy’ as Elizabeth Warren calls him Trump’s ‘sock puppet’Donald Trump’s nominee for US Federal Reserve chair, Kevin Warsh, faced a tumultuous hearing in Washington on Tuesday, fielding scrutiny over his wealth and his ability to operate independently of the president who appointed him.Should he be confirmed, Warsh will hold one of the most powerful roles in the US federal government, with massive influence over the global economy and the ability to move markets. Continue reading...
cnbc.com
Trump extends ceasefire in Iran, citing 'seriously fractured' Iranian government
Trump's announcement came after an expected trip by Vice President JD Vance to Pakistan for a peace talks with Iranian officials was put on hold.
theguardian.com
Kevin Warsh accused of being Trump's 'sock puppet' as senators grill Fed chair nominee – video
During Warsh's confirmation hearing, Democratic senator Elizabeth Warren expressed concerns that Federal Reserve nominee would become a 'sock puppet' for Donald Trump. Republican senator John Kennedy also asked Warsh to deny he would be the president's 'sock puppet', which he did Continue reading...
cnbc.com
Treasury yields rise as traders weigh latest on U.S.-Iran war, Warsh hearing
Traders are monitoring Federal Reserve chair nominee Kevin Warsh's confirmation hearing on Tuesday.
cnbc.com
Tim Cook reactions: Trump, Altman, Buffett and more on the Apple CEO move
Apple CEO Tim Cook's move to executive chair spurred commentary from tech leaders Sam Altman and Palmer Luckey, as well as Warren Buffett.
bbc.com
OpenAI faces criminal probe over role of ChatGPT in shooting
The firm, co-founded by Sam Altman, said it is "not responsible" for the attack at Florida State University
bbc.com
From Epstein to sock puppets: Key takeaways from Kevin Warsh's Fed confirmation hearing
He denied making a deal with Donald Trump on interest rates and backed "policy regime change" at the central bank.
cnbc.com
Brent oil nears $100 as doubts grow about Iran peace talks with ceasefire set to end soon
Prices rose after it became clear that Vice President JD Vance had not departed for Pakistan, where peace talks with Iran were supposed to resume.
theguardian.com
The Guardian view on the true cost of the Iran war: bombs kill – but so does the economic fallout | Editorial
There is growing international concern as the fragile two-week ceasefire reaches its Wednesday deadline. Whatever happens next, the poor will payMore than 3,300 Iranians, including 383 children, have been killed since the US and Israel launched their illegal war, authorities said this week. Asked about Wednesday’s ceasefire deadline, Donald Trump first said that he expected to resume bombing, then unilaterally announced that he was extending the truce “until discussions are concluded”. Whatever happens – or doesn’t – with the US-Iranian peace talks due to take place in Islamabad, the costs of this disastrous conflict will keep growing. The only thing that the sides have in common is that each needs peace, but thinks that it can force the other into significant concessions.Iran has deployed its drones and missiles to punishing effect, but knows that its chief weapon is the economic pain it can inflict, primarily through control of the strait of Hormuz. The International Monetary Fund warned last week that a further escalation could trigger a global recession. Its head, Kristalina Georgieva, had already said that the crisis would remain a threat to the global economy even if it ended overnight. The costs mount over time. But while the pain is widely spread, it is far from evenly shared. The combination of higher energy, food and fertiliser costs will increasingly hammer poorer and heavily import-reliant nations.Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Bill banning people born after 2008 from buying tobacco clears UK parliament
Ministers hope tobacco and vapes bill, which will become law next week, will create a ‘smoke-free generation’A bill banning anyone born after 2008 from buying tobacco in the UK has completed its progress through parliament in a move that ministers hope will create a “smoke-free generation”.Under the tobacco and vapes bill anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 will never be able to be legally sold tobacco across the UK, in an effort to save lives and reduce the burden on the NHS. Continue reading...
cnbc.com
Amazon launches GLP-1 weight loss program, promising 'fast, convenient' access
Through Amazon Pharmacy, patients will be able to access medications including Novo Nordisk's Wegovy as well as newer oral GLP-1 options.
cnbc.com
Trump says Anthropic is shaping up and a deal is 'possible' for Department of Defense use
Trump said his administration had "some very good talks" with Anthropic during a meeting at the White House last week.
theguardian.com
Four key takeaways from Apple’s change of leadership
Analysts say next boss John Ternus should diversify tech giant away from iPhones and raise its game in AIJohn Ternus takes over from Tim Cook as chief executive of Apple in September. A company insider, Ternus is moving up from his role as head of engineering to take control of the entire $4tn (£3tn) business.Apple is a vast, successful tech company and one of the most recognised brands in the world. But it faces challenges nonetheless. Here is a look at Ternus’s in-tray. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Miliband’s ‘break the link’ plan is not a magic formula for lowering energy bills
The government’s plan to de-link gas and electricity prices will have a modest effect – more promising are plans on EVs and heat pumpsWhy are UK electricity prices linked to gas – and what does it mean for bills?It’s a holy grail of UK energy policy – de-linking gas and electricity prices. After all, we’ve been told endlessly that one reason why our energy bills are so high is because “gas sets the price of electricity”. And here it comes: “decisive action” from the government to “break the link”. So, tell us, by how much can we expect bills to fall?Energy secretary Ed Miliband and colleagues didn’t offer even a tentative answer. The big announcement was a prediction-free zone on bills for two reasons. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Airlines demand UK relax noise rules and cut flight tax as fuel shortage looms
Ministers also asked to alter compensation rights and suspend emissions trading scheme amid Middle East warAirlines are lobbying the UK government to relax environmental and noise rules, modify passenger rights and cut taxes on flying, as they prepare for higher costs and a possible shortage of jet fuel because of the war in the Middle East.A list of policy requests submitted to ministers and the aviation regulator includes suspending the emissions trading scheme and relaxing limits on night flights, it has emerged. Continue reading...
cnbc.com
Tim Cook turned Apple into a $4 trillion juggernaut by not trying to be Steve Jobs
Tim Cook's 15-year tenure at the helm of Apple was highly profitable for Wall Street, as the company's market cap swelled from $350 billion to $4 trillion.
theguardian.com
Shake-up will help UK motorists without driveways to charge EVs
Green light likely for law allowing automatic approval for pavement ‘charging gullies’ to help boost EV take-upUK to appeal against tax ruling cutting VAT on public EV chargers to 5%Households without off-street parking could soon be able to charge their electric vehicles from home under new government plans to help households cut their need for expensive fossil fuels.The government has promised to pass legislation this summer that will allow motorists to run power cables through a charging “gully” built into the pavement outside their home without the need for planning permission. Continue reading...
bbc.com
Air fares soar by nearly 25% as Iran war forces flights to re-route
Airspace restrictions caused by the conflict sent plane ticket prices higher, research shows.
theguardian.com
Britain should look to biomethane to expand gas supply | Letter
Chris Huhne points out that the UK is not limited to a choice of North Sea drilling or more imports of liquefied natural gasNils Pratley is right to highlight the continuing role of gas in the UK energy system and the risks of growing dependence on imported liquefied natural gas (The UK needs more North Sea gas, not greater reliance on US imports, 14 April). As he notes, gas will remain essential for heating and power system resilience for years to come, and relying on volatile global markets leaves the UK exposed to price shocks and disruption.But the choice is not limited to more North Sea drilling or more imports. There is a third, often-overlooked option that supports farmers and rural communities while using our waste to make secure homegrown energy. Produced from organic wastes and injected into the existing gas grid, biomethane is fully domestic, low carbon, storable and dispatchable when needed. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Many pensioners have enjoyed benefits young people can only dream of | Letter
Dr Craig Reeves responds to a letter that said pensioners aren’t better off under Keir Starmer’s governmentJames Kyle writes “with a heavy heart” against Labour’s treatment of pensioners, seeing the personal allowance threshold freeze as a betrayal that shows the Tories are more on the side of “those who have worked hard all their lives” (Letters, 12 April).I’m no fan of Keir Starmer, but the suggestion that this is an anti-pensioner move is beyond credulity. Today’s pensioners benefited from numerous public goods that they also statistically voted against: publicly owned infrastructure; publicly funded university education; council housing and affordable private rents and house prices; robust workers’ rights; free movement across Europe. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Brady’s stadium own goal means her West Ham exit will not be mourned by fans | Jacob Steinberg
Karren Brady, who is stepping down as vice-chair at West Ham after 16 years, leaves a questionable legacy The “No More BS” campaign led by dissenting West Ham fans needs an update. One half of the double act has left the building but the protesters do not see it as job done. They are celebrating the departure of Karren Brady, who has stepped down as vice-chair after 16 years, and will not stop pushing for change in the way their dysfunctional club is run until David Sullivan has followed her out of the door.That, though, is not happening yet. No sooner had Brady’s departure been announced than some fans started predicting that Sullivan would not be far behind. But a move by the Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky to increase his West Ham stake by lining up a deal to buy a chunk of the Gold family’s shares is not expected to lead to Sullivan going. Kretinsky, it is said, is merely strengthening his hand. Sullivan, who is also planning to buy some of the Gold shares, is not going anywhere. Kretinsky will match the 77-year-old’s old stake, slightly diluting the era of Sullivanism, but the outcome could have been different. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Why are UK electricity prices linked to gas – and what does it mean for bills?
Government has shaken up the way electricity is priced as British costs are among the highest in the worldElectricity generators threatened with higher windfall taxes in bid to ensure stable pricesThe second global energy crisis of this decade has reignited questions about Britain’s grid strategy, specifically: why does it continue to have one of the most expensive electricity markets in the world?Despite the growing role of domestically generated renewable power, electricity wholesale prices in the UK have more than doubled since the war in Iran triggered a global squeeze on seaborne gas shipments from the Gulf. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Carney names broad team to advise on tense US-Canada trade talks
Conservatives and former provincial premiers among those PM names to advisory committee on economic relationsCanada’s prime minister, Mark Carney, says his new advisory committee on economic relations with the United States will draw on the “best advice and the broadest perspectives” as the country braces for what many expect will be tense trade negotiations with its southern neighbour.The 24-member advisory committee, announced on Tuesday, shows the prime minister’s eagerness to reach across the political spectrum to ensure Canada is “well positioned to advance its interests” at the looming trade talks. Continue reading...
cnbc.com
Trump tells CNBC he expects U.S. to make ‘great deal’ with Iran
President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he expects the U.S. and Israel war against Iran to end soon since it began in late February.
cnbc.com
A timeline of how the Iran war shook oil prices — and what comes next
Oil markets have whipsawed since the start of the Iran war, with supply risks around the Strait of Hormuz driving extreme price swings and historic volatility.
theguardian.com
UK agriculture deal with EU will not remove all red tape, peers told
Lords told sales of Scottish shellfish among areas that may benefit – but agreement will not erase all paperworkEurope live – latest updatesA new agriculture agreement with the EU will not wipe out all Brexit paperwork but might pave the way for sales of Scottish langoustines and oysters, the House of Lords has heard.The UK and EU are close to finalising a sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement to reduce Brexit trade barriers, and while it will have “modest” impact on the UK economy the agreement will be significant, peers on the European affairs committee were told on Tuesday. Continue reading...
bbc.com
Water charges and rates increase could help Stormont 'raise £3bn a year'
Stormont would have £3bn a year extra if they cut jobs, increased rates and introduced water charges.
bbc.com
Collapsed law firm at centre of £39.5m fraud probe
Sheffield-based PM Law Ltd, which had 25 offices across England, closed suddenly on 2 February.
cnbc.com
UnitedHealth tops quarterly estimates, hikes profit outlook as insurer manages high medical costs
The nation's largest private insurer expects 2026 adjusted earnings of more than $18.25 per share, up from a previous outlook of greater than $17.75 per share.
bbc.com
Unemployment rate unexpectedly falls as fewer students look for work
The drop has been largely driven by a rise in the number of people not actively seeking work.
cnbc.com
Trump says 'I'll remember' companies that don’t seek tariff refunds
Trump said he was "not happy with the Supreme Court" for ruling IEEPA tariffs were illegal, and for not allowing the U.S. to keep tariffs already collected.
theguardian.com
Welsh farmers launch landmark claim against ‘intimidating’ pylon firm
About 500 farmers challenge Green Gen Cymru in high court over alleged disregard for landowners and biosecurityA group of 500 Welsh farmers have brought a landmark legal claim to the high court over the alleged conduct of a green energy developer planning to build electricity pylon routes across their land.The court will hear allegations that Green Gen Cymru “unlawfully sought entry to private land, intimidated landowners, and showed disregard for biosecurity and basic rights”, as well as examine laws that force landowners to sell property to utility companies, in a hearing on Tuesday and Wednesday. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Trump wants $1.5tn for the Pentagon – and cuts to healthcare and housing | Steven Greenhouse
The president’s proposed $445bn increase in military spending would batter popular domestic programs as millions struggleWith Americans focused on Donald Trump’s deeply unpopular war against Iran, far too few Americans are focusing on another disastrous Trump idea: increasing the Pentagon’s budget to a colossal $1.5tn. Just as Trump’s Iran war has hurt millions of Americans by sending gas prices skyward, Trump’s supersized Pentagon budget will hurt millions of Americans because Trump, to help finance that budget, is pushing for painful cuts in health, education, and housing programs.By proposing a record-breaking $445bn increase in military spending, Trump is showing he’s gung-ho for guns, but not for butter, even though millions of Americans are struggling financially and are eager for more butter – social spending – to make their lives easier. Trump’s proposed military budget would mean a spectacular jump – it would be 42% above this year’s budget and two-thirds bigger than Joe Biden’s last Pentagon budget. Asserting that human needs are woefully underfunded, a coalition of 289 groups denounced Trump’s “gigantic” increase as “grossly irresponsible”, especially since the US already spends more on its military than the next nine biggest defense-spending countries combined. Continue reading...
cnbc.com
Volkswagen announces voice AI in its Chinese cars from later this year
Volkswagen revealed four cars, including the ID. UNYX 09, which the company said it co-developed with EV maker Xpeng in two years.
cnbc.com
Brits fled to Dubai for low taxes — now war is making some rethink the deal
The U.K. is seeking to lure British residents back from the UAE as war in the Middle East rattles confidence in Dubai’s safe‑haven image.
theguardian.com
Purdue Pharma expected to forfeit $225m as sentence in criminal opioids case
Under settlement, Sackler family will pay state, local and Native American tribal governments, individual victims and othersSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxA judge is expected to sentence the OxyContin maker, Purdue Pharma, to forfeit $225m to the US justice department on Tuesday, clearing the way for the company to finalize a settlement of thousands of lawsuits it faces over its role in the opioid crisis.The penalty was agreed to in a 2020 pact to resolve federal civil and criminal investigations it was facing. If the judge signs off, other penalties will not be collected in return for Purdue settling the other lawsuits. Continue reading...
bbc.com
Electricity bills targeted in planned shakeup to energy pricing
The war in the Middle East has brought renewed attention to Britain's vulnerability to energy price shocks.
bbc.com
Trump tariff refunds begin but consumers likely to miss out
Businesses can apply online through a portal for refunds expected to total $160bn.
bbc.com
Royal Mail to ask part-time posties to work more to meet letter targets
Royal Mail has faced a chorus of criticism for failing to meet its targets on letter delivery.
cnbc.com
‘New cards on the battlefield’: U.S., Iran ratchet up rhetoric with peace talks in limbo
American negotiators may be outmatched at the negotiating table by Iran's experienced diplomatic delegation, says analyst, ahead of potential high-stakes meeting.
bbc.com
Another flight leaves passengers behind due to border delays
New European border rules have caused delays at airports across the continent, affecting flights.
theguardian.com
Royal Mail invests £500m to tackle late deliveries as second-class post cut back
Courier promises to meet new delivery targets by next May after being fined last year for poor recordBusiness live – latest updatesSecond-class post will be delivered every other weekday and scrapped on Saturdays from next month as part of a £500m plan to tackle late deliveries at struggling Royal Mail.The courier has been piloting a new letter delivery pattern since July, which will be rolled out nationwide in May. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Kevin Warsh: Trump’s ideal choice to push Fed to cut interest rates
Former Wall Street banker faces questions at confirmation hearing – but his biggest backer is also his biggest liabilityOn the face of it, Kevin Warsh looks like an ideal candidate to chair the Federal Reserve, the world’s most important central bank. The 56-year-old Ivy League economist, former Wall Street banker and presidential adviser ticks all the boxes. Unfortunately for Warsh, as he faces what could be a fraught nomination hearing, his biggest backer is also his biggest liability.In his second term, Donald Trump has attacked the Fed in a manner both unprecedented and unseemly. He has called current chair Jerome Powell – whom he also appointed – a “jerk” and “a stubborn MORON”, and repeatedly threatened to fire him. Continue reading...
cnbc.com
India, South Korea aim to deepen ties amid geopolitical uncertainty. Here is what's holding them back.
India and Korea find alignment as U.S.–China tensions reshape trade — but struggle to move beyond intent
theguardian.com
‘It’s a big loss’: what happens when a beautiful village loses its bus route?
Mousehole in Cornwall once had a butcher, post office and general store. Now it doesn’t even have an ATM – and one of its crucial bus services has been cut. Can residents save this vital resource?It’s early April and the sun is shining over Mousehole, Cornwall, as an older couple trudge up the hill to their nearest bus stop before sinking into two of the plastic chairs that have been lined up on the side of the road. Until recently, buses would come right to the centre of the fishing village, the couple are soon explaining to a pair of Australian tourists also waiting for the bus. But when the bus route was taken over by the Go-Ahead transport group in February, the small, ice-cream-van-like buses that had been used by the previous bus company, First Bus, were swapped for full-size buses – some of them double deckers – that wouldn’t be safe to drive through Mousehole’s narrow streets. So the route, which has been taking passengers down to the harbour since the 1920s, was cut short, and now ends at the edge of the village.You don’t have to spend long in Mousehole, described as “the loveliest village in England” by the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, to learn of residents’ dismay over this change. “Save Our Stop” flyers have been stuck in the windows of houses and businesses, while a banner adorns the railing next to where the old stop used to be, inviting passersby to sign the petition to have it reinstated and “make Mousehole accessible to all again” – a petition that now has more than 5,000 signatures. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Why are respected film-makers suddenly embracing AI?
From Soderbergh to Aronofsky, esteemed Hollywood directors are starting to find ways to include artificial intelligence in the production of their filmsIn Steven Soderbergh’s beguiling new movie The Christophers, a reclusive artist (Ian McKellen) tangles with the quiet art forger (Michaela Coel) who his greedy children have hired to secretly finish further entries in a well-known painting series. The movie is smart and provocative about the nature of artistry and authorship, exploring what it means to create – and to stop creating. It’s especially fascinating coming from Soderbergh, who has made movies with workhorse dependability (The Christophers is his third theatrical release of the past 18 months) and also spent four years retired from directing features entirely.It also provides particularly jarring context for Soderbergh, in interviews promoting the film, to voice his interest in something that a lot of great artists have pointedly refused to embrace: using AI in films. Soderbergh mentioned in an interview with Filmmaker Magazine that he used what sounds like generative AI to produce “thematically surreal images that occupy a dream space rather than a literal space” for his upcoming documentary about John Lennon and Yoko Ono. He also said that a movie he’s hoping to make about the Spanish-American war would use “a lot of AI”. In a subsequent conversation with Variety, Soderbergh didn’t sound like an AI evangelist, but nor did he back down: “I don’t think it’s the solution to everything, and I don’t think it’s the death of everything. We’re in the very early stages. Five years from now, we all may be going, ‘That was a fun phase.’ We may end up not using it as much as we thought we were going to.” Continue reading...
bbc.com
Petrol thefts surge as Iran war pushes up fuel costs
One petrol retailer says he is experiencing about five drive-offs a week at each forecourt, costing him thousands.
theguardian.com
UK jobs market was in a fragile state – even before Iran war threatened recovery
Despite surprise fall in unemployment, weak wage growth and inflation pressures put the squeeze on workersUK unemployment shows surprise fall to 4.9%Business live – latest updatesDespite a surprise fall in the unemployment rate, the latest jobs data show the labour market in a fragile state, even before the Iran war threatened to derail the UK’s nascent economic recovery.At 4.9% in the three months to February, the unemployment rate was down from 5.2% in the previous three months, according to the Office for National Statistics. Continue reading...
cnbc.com
Global stocks have recouped Iran war losses to hit fresh records — but the shadow of Mideast conflict still looms
Global stocks have clawed back losses triggered by the Iran conflict, with major indexes now trading at or above pre-war levels.
bbc.com
The 20-somethings juggling three jobs to make ends meet
While the UK unemployment rate stands at 4.9%, increasing numbers of those in work have more than one job.
theguardian.com
Our host just vanished, but Booking.com still said ‘no’ to a refund
I was forced to lose all the £609 I had paid, although Booking.com couldn’t contact our host, eitherA friend and I paid Booking.com for an apartment in Paris. The next day we received an email informing us our “request” had not been confirmed and advising us to contact the owner.Our many attempts failed, and so did Booking.com’s. A call centre manager suggested we travel to Paris, knock on the door and contact Booking.com if nobody answered. Otherwise we would not get our booking refunded. Continue reading...
bbc.com
New era as Apple names new boss to replace Tim Cook after 15 years
Ternus will take over running the technology giant in September as Cook steps up to become executive chairman.
bbc.com
'Supercharger' call for threatened ceramics firm
A petition is calling for struggling Denby Pottery to be added to a government support scheme.
theguardian.com
Mythos: are fears over new AI model panic or PR? – podcast
Earlier this month the AI company Anthropic said it had created a model so powerful that, out of a sense of responsibility, it was not going to release it to the public. Anthropic says the model, Mythos Preview, excels at spotting and exploiting vulnerabilities in software, and could pose a severe risk to economies, public safety and national security. But is this the whole story? Some experts have expressed scepticism about the extent of the model’s capabilities. Ian Sample hears from Aisha Down, a reporter covering artificial intelligence for the Guardian, to find what the decision to limit access to Mythos reveals about Anthropic’s strategy, and whether the model might finally spur more regulation of the industry.‘Too powerful for the public’: inside Anthropic’s bid to win the AI publicity warSupport the Guardian: theguardian.com/sciencepod Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Who is John Ternus, Apple’s next CEO?
Hardware engineering executive is a longtime Apple insider, indicating company will continue strategy that has led to record profitsApple has announced longtime company veteran John Ternus as the next CEO of the company, succeeding the current CEO, Tim Cook, who is set to transition to executive chair of Apple’s board of directors later this year.Ternus’s term as CEO will begin on 1 September. The hardware engineering executive is a longtime Apple insider, indicating the company will stay the course that has led to record profits under Cook’s leadership. Apple’s yearly profit now tops $100bn, and in January it announced record revenue from its iPhones, boosted by renewed demand in China. Continue reading...
bbc.com
The 'dumb machine' promising a clean energy breakthrough
A stellarator is difficult to build, but could it be the best way to make fusion energy work?
bbc.com
Are insider traders making millions from the Iran war?
The BBC has found suspicious trading patterns that correlate with some of the president's most market-moving statements.
bbc.com
Blue Origin rocket grounded after satellite 'mishap'
The firm founded by Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos is investigating the failed launch.
bbc.com
The insider trading suspicions looming over Trump's presidency
The BBC has found a pattern of spikes in trades ahead of public announcements by the US president.
bbc.com
New media space opens in Hull to help city's creatives
Hull’s creative scene has a new home, with green screens, cameras and a mini radio studio.
theguardian.com
Victoria Beckham ties up with Gap as retailer hopes luxe push will drive comeback
Ex-Mattel boss behind Barbiemania pivots retailer towards more premium fashion after reopening UK storesFrom the 80s through to the early noughties it was the go-to high street store for casual hoodies and jeans, before falling out of favour. Now almost 30 years after its heyday, Gap is hoping to turn things around. Key to its comeback strategy? A pivot to more premium fashion.On Friday the retailer will unveil a collection with the luxury fashion designer Victoria Beckham. The collaboration is the next step in the luxification of Gap being led by Richard Dickson, who joined Gap Inc as its president and chief executive from Mattel, the US toymaker, in 2023. Continue reading...
bbc.com
Are insider traders making millions from the Iran war?
The BBC has found significant spikes in activity shortly before the US president made some announcements.
bbc.com
Car recall warning: could yours be at risk of fire?
Car recall warning: could yours be at risk of fire? Consumer expert Louise Minchin shares the details.
theguardian.com
My son was fined £500 just for dropping a cigarette butt
He said he was forcibly stopped from picking it up and promptly issued with the fixed-penalty noticeMy son was fined £500 after dropping a cigarette butt in Southwark, London. He says the enforcement officer physically prevented him from picking it up, and told him he would escape a fine if he provided ID, and the police would be called if he didn’t. He complied and was promptly issued with a fixed-penalty notice (FPN).However, £500 is more than a typical fine for a dangerous offence such as speeding. Continue reading...
bbc.com
Why your recycled clothes could end up in this South American desert
Old garments from around the world are being discarded in the South American country.
theguardian.com
Fee hikes, big bonuses, then bosses exit: the curious case of City & Guilds privatisation
Sale of vocational training brand and million-pound executive pay deals now subject to Charity Commission inquiryWhen electrician Charlie Butler was contacted by City & Guilds last autumn, he received a shock.He had branched out to launch a new company schooling future sparkies in Essex, offering City & Guilds-affiliated courses and qualifications. When the representative from the training charity called, Butler was expecting a quick conversation about a small uptick in the annual fees. Continue reading...
bbc.com
Scammers are becoming ever more sophisticated - this is what the fightback looks like
Scams have exploded over the last few years. Can countries and companies come together to turn the tables on the scammers?
cnbc.com
Naomi Watts wants women to own their menopause journey: 'Why is it so taboo when we are half the population?'
Actress and entrepreneur Naomi Watts founded Stripes Beauty with a singular mission: helping women take control of menopause health and aging with confidence.
bbc.com
How to know if you're on an energy price cap tariff
Martin was shocked to learn how many people didn't know if they were on an energy price cap.
bbc.com
Could a digital twin make you into a 'superworker'?
Firms say digital twins make staff more productive, but are they a potential legal minefield?
bbc.com
Back to books - Sweden's schools cutting back on digital learning
Swedish classrooms swap laptops for books, pens and paper, raising concerns from the tech sector.
bbc.com
Quantum computing: A tech race Europe could win?
With some promising computing companies in the field, could Europe be a leader in quantum tech?
bbc.com
The Dutch village at risk of being demolished
Moerdijk has been earmarked for removal, to make way for a vast electricity substation.
bbc.com
'Every drop of water counts': Fear for the future of Argentina's glaciers
A controversial law to ease protections for the glaciers has passed, opening the doors for mining.
bbc.com
TV for dogs booms but are they watching?
TV channels for dogs are multiplying but research is mixed on whether dogs are watching.
bbc.com
The construction boss who built a new life after three years in prison
Traci Quinn, who was jailed for a drugs offence, has transformed herself and set up a successful firm.
bbc.com
The US refinery now processing Venezuelan oil
Chevron is now importing 250,000 barrels of crude per day from Venezuela.
bbc.com
The £5.30 orange juice that tells the story of why supermarket prices are sky high
Butter, chocolate, coffee and milk have all seen prices rocket. Tracing back through the story of one particular supermarket staple begins to explain why
bbc.com
Prepare for turbulence - how a prolonged Middle East conflict could reshape how we fly
The Gulf's hub airports made long-distance travel cheaper - but now their future looks unclear.
bbc.com
Sir John Curtice: Why Labour's Brexit focus has shifted from Leavers to Remainers
Will the pursuit of a closer relationship with the EU risk courting electoral disaster by alienating Brexit-backing voters?
cnbc.com
Register now: Applications open for the World's Top Fintech Companies 2026
CNBC and Statista chart the top fintech players from around the world, ranging from startups to Big Tech names.
bbc.com
The real impact of roadworks on the country - and why they're set to get worse
There is a fine balance between the benefits of improved infrastructure, versus the cost of disruption. Does the country have it right?
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